COLUMN: ‘The Rock’ is a smash in ‘Journey 2’
In regard to Valentine’s Day, even though it has now passed, here is some advice for men on how to attract women from Mr. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson himself, as given in “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.”
1. Don’t follow your instincts.
2. Be open and sensitive.
3. Show off the “peck pop of love.”
In the film, Sean Anderson (Josh Hutcherson) is a troubled teenager struggling to fit in in a new town and trying to cope with his stepfather, Hank (Dwayne Johnson).
After hearing a coded message through a radio, Sean attempts to break the code, as he suspects it is a message from his lost grandfather, Alexander (Michael Caine).
As Hank tries to talk with Sean, he examines Sean’s work and cracks the code, discovering the words in the message coincide with Morse Code. With the experience he gained while serving in the Navy, Hank quickly deciphers the transmission, and after a few more challenges, he supposedly discovers the location of the mysterious island spoken of in Jules Verne’s novel, “The Mysterious Island.”
In an effort to connect with his stepson, Hank convinces Sean’s mother (Kristin Davis) to allow the two of them to really see if the mythical island exists.
When the two arrive in Palau, the closest island to the supposed mysterious island, one of the tour guides refuses their money, telling them the island in question is located in the deadliest part of the ocean.
An enthusiastic helicopter pilot, Gabato (Luis Guzman) snatches the opportunity to make a few extra bucks. However, Hank and Sean are skeptical, since the helicopter looks worn down and battered.
Sean’s opinion of the helicopter quickly changes when Gabato’s daughter, Kailani (Vanessa Hudgens) appears. Kailani tries to deter her father, but to no avail, especially with Sean’s insistence of using Gabato’s services.
They all get to the island through a series of unfortunate events and begin searching for Alexander.
Once they find Alexander, Hank discovers the island is sinking, which begins the real journey, the journey of escape that can only be solved by getting into the head of Jules Verne.
This is a solid B movie. There’s not much depth, and the movie moves at a fast pace. The computer graphics animation of the various creatures wasn’t very impressive, but is sufficient for this film
It’s definitely an adventure movie geared toward children. If you liked “Journey to the Center of the Earth” (2008), you’ll like “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.”
This may be a sequel, but you don’t have to have watched the previous movie to enjoy this one.
Getting back briefly to the Valentine’s Day theme, Sean and Kailani’s interactions once again prove that one of the best ways to get a girl is to be stranded in a tough life or death situation together.
Although Hutcherson is a whole six years older than when he starred in “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” he smoothly comprises his role as a true Vernian (someone who believes Jules Verne’s books are based on fact). He’s all muscled up and ready to go for the highly anticipated “The Hunger Games.”
Johnson, forever known as “The Rock” in the world of professional wrestling, but also known for his roles in “Fast Five,” and “The Scorpion King,” continues building his acting resume in the world of family movies. Surprisingly, and impressively he plays the ukulele and sings “What a Wonderful World” in one segment of the movie and during the end credits.
Caine steals the show with his clever comments and absent mindedness. He and Johnson have a battle of wits throughout the film, which makes for a lot of humor. It’s easy to see he had a lot of fun creating this film. If you don’t know who Michael Caine is, please go see “Batman Begins,” “Secondhand Lions,” or “The Muppet Christmas Carol” to get a sampling of his work.
Guzman provides most of the obvious humor for the movie. His role as a father willing to do whatever it takes to help his daughter is different from his roles in previous movies, such as Jacopo in “The Count of Monte Cristo,” and Lou in “Anger Management.”
The music, composed by Andrew Lockington, has a captivating blend of orchestra with interesting piano accompaniments. It’s ominous, mysterious, and adventurous all at the same time, reminiscent of his previous experience with “Journey to the Center of the Earth” and “City of Ember.”
Even in today’s world much is still unexplored. There are plenty of mysteries left in the world.
If you’re up for a casual adventure, see this film.
— Spencer Palmer is a graduate student working toward an MBA with a recent bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. He enjoys watching all sorts of movies. Email him at spencer.palmer@aggiemail.usu.edu